Not sure what your design's dimensions will look like on skin? Compare 6 size ranges in inches and centimetres, then see examples and body areas to discuss with your artist. We use the longest side of a design to place it in a range. These are planning labels, not studio standards.
Example canvas: AnkleAbout the size of a coin or a postage stamp.
A very small design, such as a symbol, a word or a simple shape.
Fine detail may be hard to keep legible at this size. Ask your artist whether the lines need more space or a larger canvas.
Example canvas: Outer forearmAbout the size of a matchbook or a golf ball.
A compact design with room for a little detail, depending on the style.
Simple line work or short script may fit. Dense shading and fine portraits may need more room; ask your artist to check the design at actual size.
Example canvas: Outer forearmAbout the size of a playing card or a phone screen.
A flexible size for designs with several elements.
There may be room for shading and texture, but the amount of detail depends on line weight, style and the artist’s advice.
Example canvas: Outer thighAbout the size of a postcard or an open hand.
Room for a scene or a larger design across the arm, thigh or another broad area.
A larger footprint can give layered elements more space. Ask your artist how the design should follow the body and how its details may age.
Example canvas: Outer thighAbout the size of a sheet of A5 paper or a tablet.
A larger piece that may cover much of an arm, chest, back or thigh.
There is room for several elements, but the design still needs to follow the body. Ask your artist how they would plan the work and whether it needs more than one sitting.
Example canvas: SpineAbout the size of a sheet of A4 paper or larger.
A broad design that may become a back, chest or sleeve project.
A large project. Design it as one composition across the area, then ask the artist how to stage the work.
Photos show possible body areas, not tattoos at actual size. Check dimensions on your own body with your artist.
Measure the longest side of the design. To change inches to centimetres, multiply by 2.54. The examples below save you a few calculations.
Small designs leave less space between fine lines. Bring your artwork at its intended size and ask your artist whether the details will stay clear.
Use the scores to compare, not predict. Your design, session and own response can change how a tattoo feels. Ask your artist about the appointment and aftercare. For health concerns, speak with a medical professional. You can read how we make the chart.
FAQs
More on tattoo sizing
A 3-inch tattoo measures about 7.6 cm along its longest side — roughly a playing card or a phone screen. That lands in the medium range: a flexible size for designs with several elements.
Multiply inches by 2.54 to get centimetres. So 2 inches is about 5.1 cm and 4 inches is about 10.2 cm. Use whichever unit your artist prefers.
There is no universal first-tattoo size. Bring the design to your artist and ask what dimensions will keep its details legible on your chosen placement.
Crowded fine lines may become harder to read as a tattoo ages. A small design can still work well when it has open space and an appropriate line weight. Ask your artist how much detail suits the planned size.
It can. A design has to fit the available area and may need to follow a curve or joint. The chart offers placements to discuss, but an artist should check the design against your body.